Defamation on the internet is becoming more serious. It is important to adopt a wide range of measures, both in terms of prevention and redress.
The Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry has drawn up measures to deal with online defamation mainly on social media. In Japan, people infected with the novel coronavirus and medical workers have also been affected by an issue that has become a social problem in many countries. It is significant that the government has come up with comprehensive measures.
One of the main pillars of the measures is an expansion of the scope of information disclosure concerning people who post slanderous messages and materials. The identification of a person who posted such messages is essential for seeking damages or an apology, but until now, multiple court proceedings have been necessary, putting a heavy burden on victims.
The phone numbers of people who post defamatory comments have been subject to disclosure requests since September. This change is expected to make it easier to find out the names and addresses of offenders, thus leading to an increase in the number of cases in which only a single court proceeding is required. It is hoped this will lead to the prompt resolution of damage claims for online defamation victims.
To expedite the redress process, the government is also considering the establishment of a new information disclosure system. The envisaged system will allow a court to decide whether to disclose the information of an abuser without a lawsuit if a victim files a complaint.
However, the reality is that the information disclosure process is used by companies and others to discourage people from posting critical comments. If disclosure requirements are relaxed, there is a risk that companies will obtain information about people who post critical comments and put pressure on them.
It is hoped that the ministry will deepen discussions carefully to design the system while giving consideration to the balance between freedom of expression and redress for victims. It is also necessary to consider measures to prevent the abuse of disclosure procedures.
The government was prompted to draw up measures in response to the death of Hana Kimura, a female professional wrestler who committed suicide in May after she had received abuse on social media over her behavior in a TV program. The production of a TV show that easily sparks criticism may also have been part of the problem.
It is crucial for social media platform operators to strengthen such efforts as removing malicious posts voluntarily. The government and platforms are urged to work together to create guidelines that will be useful in making decisions on the removal of posts and set up a third-party organization that will provide consultation services for social media operators.
The response of overseas operators holds the key. Social media platforms operated by overseas operators have been the main stages for such online defamation, but it is hard to say their explanations to users about their responses to inappropriate posts have been sufficient.
Social media has become an indispensable part of people's daily lives. The providers of such services should be aware of their social responsibility and increase the transparency of their operations. It is hoped that the government will urge operators to accelerate their efforts.
Anonymous slander is as cowardly as throwing stones from the shadows. People should not post comments that they would not say face-to-face. Such awareness should be shared by all users.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on Sept. 7, 2020.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
